Watch movement holder

ABSTRACT

A universal movement holder for mechanical, electric or electronic watch movements to facilitate testing, adjustment and time regulation procedures. The holder is constituted by a vise formed by a movable block and a stationary block having a lead screw extending therefrom which passes through a threaded bore in the movable block whereby the position of the movable block relative to the stationary block is adjustable to set the holder to the size and shape of a watch movement bridging the blocks. The edges of the movement are engaged by pegs insertable in selected peg holes formed in the blocks. A well in the stationary block receives a power cell for operating an electric or electronic movement placed on the holder, the cell being connected to two terminal posts mounted in the stationary block. Extending from the terminals are adjustable probes adapted to engage points of connection on the movement.

United States Patent 1191 Fried WATCH MOVEMENT HOLDER [75] Inventor: Henry B. Fried, New York, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Bulova Watch Company, Inc., New

York, N.Y.

[ Nov. 19, 1974 [5 7] ABSTRACT A universal movement holder for mechanical, electric or electronic watch movements to facilitate testing,

22 F] d: S L 21 1973 adjustment and time regulation procedures. The 1e ep holder is constituted by a vise formed by a movable PP N05 399,525 block and a stationary block having a lead screw extending therefrom which passes through a threaded 52 US. Cl. 81/6 bore in the movable hhck whereby the of the [51] Int. Cl. G04d 3/00 movable block relative to the Stationary block is [58] Field of Search 81/6 J'hstahle Set the hOlde' the Size and shape a watch movement bridging the blocks. The edges of the 56 R f d movement are engaged by pegs insertable in selected I UNITE]; 5:23.2 i peg holes formed in the blocks. A well in the stationary block receives a power cell for operating an elec- 2,464,375 3/1949 Clark 81/6 m or electronic movement placed on the homer the FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS cell being connected to two terminal posts mounted in 237 815 9/1945 Switzerland 8l/6 the stationary block- Extending fmm the terminals 619:450 3/1949 Great Britain 81/6 adjustable Probes adapted to engage P 0f Commetion on the movement.

Primary Examiner-Al Lawrence Smith Assistant Examiner-Roscoe V. Parker, Jr. 9 Clams 7 Drawmg figures 25 o O M lo 32 36;, O o o O 37 Z5 Z5 5S M PATENTELKGV 1 91914 SHEET 1 [IF 2 PAYENIEDFLGV I 91914 3.848.484" SHEET 20F 2 7 WATCH MOVEMENT HOLDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to movement holders for watches, and more particularly to a universal movement holder for all types of electronic, electric and mechanical movements.

In order to facilitate testing, adjustment, regulation, repair and other procedures, it is the common practice to place the watch movement in a jig of holder adapted to securely grip the movement without damage thereto. Since watch movements come in various sizes and shapes, commercially-available movement holders usually take the form of a vise defined by two jaws which are rounded or otherwise shaped to engage the periphery of a movement, the jaws being movable relative to each other to clamp about the movement. Among the patents which disclose vise-like movement holders are the following: US. Pat. Nos. 2,178,296; 2,366,519; 2,261,055; and 2,571,189.

Traditional mechanical watch movements are of the mainspring driven type and the conventional movement holder is designed to accommodate such movements. But in recent years, battery-operated electronic and electric watches have entered the market and though the movements of such watches have shapes and dimensions comparable to those of standard mechanical watch movements, the holders heretofore designed for mechanical watch movements are not suitable for electronic or electric watches.

In an electric watch having an electromagnetically activated balance wheel, thesource of power is not a mainspring but a miniature battery cell. Similar cells are used to energize electronic watches such as those employing a vibrating tuning fork or a quartz-crystal oscillator as a frequency standard or a time base.

In an electric or electronic watch, the power cell is received in a compartment or socket incorporated in the movement. The connections between the cell and the associated circuit include flat springs, straps or other connectors adapted to engage the cell terminals. In many instances these connectors only make contact with the power cell when the movement is fully cased, that is with the back of the case in place. When the back is removed to expose the movement, the cell connector is disengaged. Hence if a watch movement of this type is uncovered or taken entirely out of its case and is then mounted in a conventional movement holder, the battery circuit is broken and the movement cannot be tested or otherwise treated in its operative state.

In other instances, where the power cell remains connected even when the movement is uncovered or taken out of its case, the presence of the power cell in the movement may be objectionable. The presence of the cell interferes with certain test and adjustment procedures, for test points in the movement are often obstructed or obscured by the cell or the cell straps.

Another drawback characteristic of existing forms of movement holders is that they are usually light-weight and unstable, so that when placed on a work table, the position of the holder may be easily upset, thereby disturbing the procedure in progress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, the main object of this invention is to provide a movement holder, usuable with all types of mechanical, electric and electronic watch movements, the holder being adapted to hold the movement safely and securely and without fear or damage.

A significant feature of the invention is that the holder can hold mainspring or battery-powered watch movements of all shapes and sizes within a broad range which even encompasses small clock movements. In practice this range may extend from a h 3 iflgneyvggch size to clock sizes up to 30 ligne or 2 A inches indiameter.

Also an object of this invention is to provide a movement holder for electric and electronic watches which permits the removal of the power cell from the movement to avoid obstructing test and other procedures, power being supplied to the movement from an external power supply included in the holder.

A further object of the invention is to provide a highly stable holder that securely grips the movement and frees both hands of the watchmaker to make fine adjustments. This is particularly useful when an operator must observe a meter during power consumption tests.

Briefly stated these objects are attained in a holder constituted by a vise formed by a movable block and a stationary block having a lead screw extending therefrom which passes through a threaded bore in the movable block whereby the position of the movable block relative to the stationary block is adjustable to set the holder to the size and shape of a watch movement bridging the blocks. The edges of the movement are engaged by pegs insertable in selected peg holes formed in the blocks.

A well is formed in the stationary block to receive a power cell for operating an electric or electronic movement placed in the holder. The cell is connected to two terminal posts mounted on the anchor block. Extending from these posts are adjustable probes adapted to engage points of connection on the movement.

OUTLINE OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention as well as other objects and features thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a universal movement holder in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the holder;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation of the holder;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one type of peg used with the holder;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another type of peg used with the holder;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the holder with an uncased movement held therein; and

FIG. is a perspective view of the holder with a cased movement held therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a movement holder in accordance with the invention is illustrated, the holder being in the form of a vise including a stationary block 10 and a movable block 11 having the same height and length as the stationary block but being somewhat shorter in width. Both blocks are formed of a relatively heavy metal which is corrosionresistant, such as stainless steel or a nickel alloy. Because the holder is weighted, it rests stably on a work table and is not easily upset.

Passing through a transverse bore in stationary block 10 and extending therefrom is a lead screw 12, the extended portion being received in a threaded transverse bore formed in movable block 11. Attached to the other end of the screw is a knurled knob 13 which when turned in one direction by an operator, causes the movable block to advance toward the stationary block, and when turned in the reverse direction causes the movable block to shift away from the stationary block. A pair of spaced guide pins 14 and 15 projecting from one side of stationary block 10 and extending into a pair of bores formed in the movable block 11 function as slide rails to stabilize the position of the movable block.

Thus the distance between the two blocks, in the manner of a vise, is varied by turning the knob 13. The space between the two blocks is bridged by a watch movement to be held by the holder, the space between the blocks being adjusted to a setting appropriate to the dimensions of the movement.

Formed in stationary block 10 is a row of three equispaced peg holes 16, 17 and 18, the row being parallel to and adjacent the left wall of this block. A correspondingly positioned row of peg holes 19, 20 and 21 is formed in the movable block adjacent the right wall thereof. A second row of peg holes 22, 23 and 24 is formed in the movable block adjacent the left wall thereof. The purpose of these holes is to provide sockets for pegs adapted to engage the edge of the held movement, the type of pegs used and their hole positions being determined by the size and shape of the movement and on whether the movement is cased or uncased.

Two sets of pegs are provided, one set being composed of low pegs for uncased movement, and the second set being composed of high pegs for cased movements. A high peg 25 is shown in H6. 4 where it will be seen that the shank of the peg is long, the peg having a head portion 25A which tapers toward a shoulder 258 to define a notch for engaging the edge of a cased movement. A low peg 26 is shown in FIG. where it will be seen that the shank of the peg is short and terminates in a relatively thin head 26A which tapers toward a stepped shoulder 268 to form a notch for engaging an edge of an uncased movement.

With a typical uncased movement UM, as shown in FIG. 6, the pair of low pegs 26 are inserted in a pair of peg holes in the stationary block and another pair of low pegs 26 are inserted in a pair of peg holes in movable block 11, the pegs engaging the periphery of the main plate of the movement which rests in the peg notches.

With a cased movement CM whose back is removed, as shown in FIG. 7, the pegs must be taller to engage the projecting tabs of the bezel, so that in this instance tall pegs 25 are inserted in appropriately positioned peg holes in the two blocks. The selection of peg holes and the types of pegs used obviously depends on the shape and size of the movement being held and on whether the movement is cased or uncased. Once the movement is evenly placed on the holder between the pegs in the two blocks, the knob 13 is turned to clamp the movement securely without applying undue pressure.

It will be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 that each movement has a circular recess R which is normally occupied by a power cell, the cell being withdrawn to afford unobstructed access to the movement. In order to supply battery power to the movement being examined, stationary block 10 is provided with a well 27 which is relatively deep and is of a larger diameter than the cell recess R in the movement. Since the holder is intended for any type of electric or electronic watch as well as small battery operated clocks, the oversize well serves to receive any of the existing types of power cells including power arrangement in which cells are stacked to effect a series connection providing a higher voltage.

In order to connect a cell P in the well with points of connection on the movement, two terminal posts are mounted on the stationary block. Terminal post 28 fits into a hole in stationary block 10 and is locked therein by a set screw 29. This post is therefore in electrical contact with block 10 which is connected to one pole of the power cell which cell pole rests directly on the metal floor of the well. Passing through a transverse hole in terminal post 28 is the shank of a probe 30 having a downwardly projecting contact finger 30A, the probe being locked to the post by a set screw 31.

Thus the angular position of probe 30 may be adjusted by rotation of the terminal post 28 in its hole and the height of the probe may be varied by raising or lowering post 28 in its hole. These positions may be set by tightening set screw 29. The degree to which the probe is extended from the post may be adjusted and then held by means of set screw 31.

The second terminal post 32 is insulated from stationary block 10 by means of an insulating screw 33 received within the hole for this post, the sleeve being retained within the hole by means of a set screw 34. A connection between post 32 and the upper pole of power cell P is effected by means of a resilient contact clamp 35 which extends from post 32 and is held thereto by means of a collar 36 threadably received on an extension of sleeve 33, whereby the collar may be unscrewed on the sleeve to loosen contact clamp 35 and permit the removal or insertion of a power cell in well 27. Post 32 is held in place by means of set screw 37 in collar 36.

Extending from post 32 is a probe 38 whose shank passes through a transverse hole in the post and is held by set screws 39. The downwardly extending contact finger 39A of the probe engages a second contact point in the movement. The angular position, the elevation and the degree of extension of probe 38 are adjustable in the same manner as probe 30.

Thus to carry out testing or any other procedure with an electric or electronic watch, its movement is placed in the universal holder which is set up with pegs of appropriate height, depending on whether the movement is cased or uncased. The selection of peg hole positions is determined by the size and shape of the movement and the movable block position relative to that of the stationary block is adjusted to clamp themovement securely. A power cell is placed in well 27 in block 10 and the two probes are adjusted on terminal posts 28 and 32 so as to engage the appropriate contact points on the movement, in order to energize the movement.

While there has been shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without, however, departing from the essential spirit of the invention. For example, power for operating the movement may be obtained from a source remote from the holder and connected to the terminal posts.

I claim:

1. A watch movement holder comprising:

A. a movable block having a threaded bore therein;

B. a stationary block having a lead screw extending therefrom and passing through said threaded bore whereby the position of the movable block relative to the stationary block is adjustable to set the holder to the size and shape of a watch movement bridging the blocks, said stationary block having a well formed therein for receiving a power cell to energize an electronic or electric watch movement, two terminal posts mounted on same stationary block and connected to said cell, and probes supported by and extending from said post to engage contact points on said movements, and

C. removable pegs insertable in selected holes in a row of holes formed in said movable block and in a row of holes formed in said stationary block to provide abutments to engage the periphery of the movement.

2. A holder as set forth in claim 1, whereby said movable block has two parallel rows of holes formed thereon to accommodate said pegs.

3. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said stationary block has a pair of guide pins projecting therefrom on either side of said screw and passing through openings in said movable block to provide guide rails' to stabilize said movable block.

4. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said posts is electrically in contact with said stationary block to make connection with one pole of said cell also in contact with said block, and the other post is insulated from said block, a connecting arm extending from said other post and engaging the other pole of said cell.

5. A holder as set forth in claim 2, further including two sets of pegs one set being low to engage the plate of an uncased movement, the other set being high to engage the bezel of a cased movement.

6. A holder as set forth in claim 5, wherein said pegs have shoulders to ensure such engagement.

7. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said terminal posts are received in holes in said stationary block and are rotatable therein to change the angle of said probes.

8. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said probes pass through lateral openings in said post and are extensible with respect to said posts.

9. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said well is relatively deep to receive a stack of series connected power cells. 

1. A watch movement holder comprising: A. a movable block having a threaded bore therein; B. a stationary block having a lead screw extending therefrom and passing through said threaded bore whereby the position of the movable block relative to the stationary block is adjustable to set the holder to the size and shape of a watch movement bridging the blocks, said stationary block having a well formed therein for receiving a power cell to energize an electronic or electric watch movement, two terminal posts mounted on same stationary block and connected to said cell, and probes supported by and extending from said post to engage contact points on said movements, and C. removable pegs insertable in selected holes in a row of holes formed in said movable block and in a row of holes formed in said stationary block to provide abutments to engage the periphery of the movement.
 2. A holder as set forth in claim 1, whereby said movable block has two parallel rows of holes formed thereon to accommodate said pegs.
 3. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said stationary block has a pair of guide pins projecting therefrom on either side of said screw and passing through openings in said movable block to provide guide rails to stabilize said movable block.
 4. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said pOsts is electrically in contact with said stationary block to make connection with one pole of said cell also in contact with said block, and the other post is insulated from said block, a connecting arm extending from said other post and engaging the other pole of said cell.
 5. A holder as set forth in claim 2, further including two sets of pegs one set being low to engage the plate of an uncased movement, the other set being high to engage the bezel of a cased movement.
 6. A holder as set forth in claim 5, wherein said pegs have shoulders to ensure such engagement.
 7. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said terminal posts are received in holes in said stationary block and are rotatable therein to change the angle of said probes.
 8. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said probes pass through lateral openings in said post and are extensible with respect to said posts.
 9. A holder as set forth in claim 1, wherein said well is relatively deep to receive a stack of series connected power cells. 